Learning martial arts from books and tapes?

[Newtype]

I've studied several different styles in the past few years. Each time I've moved and had to stop and my father injured his arms a few years ago so he can no longer teach me. At this point in time I'm interested in learning a new style but since I've started college (currently a freshman) there aren't any schools in my area. There are a few but they are pretty far away (30miles or more) and I don't have a car and my schedule is pretty busy due to college. So I was thinking of trying to learn and study from books and a few videos when ever I can time.

I know I will never be able to master a style that way but I was wondering what people thought of it as a way of learning till I found a school for the particular style. I was thinking Kendo, Aikido, American Kempo Karate, or Hapkido.

Can anyone recommend a decent site that sells books and/or videos that relate to this. Also sites or stores that sell training items such as uniforms, practice dummies, etc.

[williamson]

As far as book, video tapes, and equipment, try here: http://www.sakura-0.com/

Personally, I believe books and tapes are good after you know the material. They serve as a reminder, kinda like having note cards when givening a speech.

[Dennis_Mahon]

At this point in time I'm interested in learning a new style but since I've started college (currently a freshman) there aren't any schools in my area. There are a few but they are pretty far away (30miles or more) and I don't have a car and my schedule is pretty busy due to college

Might there be a martial arts club on campus? That's how I got started; check with you student activities office- they should know if there's a sanctioned club, and the time & place they meet.

Good Luck.

[Newtype]

I've tried that. I'm at pretty small university. There isn't one and several other people have been looking for groups as well.

[Mandeigh Wells]

There isn't one and several other people have been looking for groups as well. perhaps you could all get together and do some skill swapping for the time being....practice away with the stuff you have learned already......:)


Mandeigh Wells

[jabonn]

I have to agree Videos and Books are good once you attained a certian level. I use them to refine my techniques or find new variations. I wouldn't purchase a set of tapes to learn Goju-ryu or any other art.

I drive 40 to 45 minutes 3 times a week for Judo. I then drive 20-25 minutes three times a week to Karate. (those are just one way trips, one must return home) It all boils down to, do you want to continue your training and what you are giving up to complete that?

[Ray White]

I was lucky to have exposure to a few different styles of martial arts in my home town. But the more I learned, I found myself wanting to develope different areas or skills. And like you I had trouble finding training in the arts I really wanted.
Books are typically horrible to learn from, but great to use as reminders. Videos are a little better because you can see the motion and usually get detailed explination depending on the quality of tape.

I suggest trying to attend seminars in your area if you don't want to invest the time to attend regular classes. If you take a few drills with you from a seminar every few months, and practice them with friends, it may get you by until you get more time or move to a better location. You may have to check with the nearest schools for such schedules, and most big schools host many excellent instructors. Although you may have to travel or make a weekend of it.

[Nick Coupe]

I think if you were to look at Mandeigh's sig. you will find your answer. Martial arts become a part of you and I belive that once you become a martial artist (ie. from you previous training) you will find you can lean effectivly from instructional tapes and books. I find that reading (cheaper than buying the vidoes) about styles to be beneficial if I study them or not. It will be more difficult to lean this way about a style you have not studies them walk into a dojo than the other way round.

Also Mandeigh's idea about getting together with the other guys (and girls) is a great idea. You will certainly lean a great deal and you may find some of them will be advanced enough to teach in a conventional manner. Maybe you could start a class?

Whatever happens don't give up.

[Shadow]

I know that time is limited when you are in school, but if you want to learn bad enough you will find a way. The idea of posting on a board then getting togeather with others interested in studying is good. All of you might car pool to a local school.
When I started studying I hich hiked 60 miles each way but it was a lot safer to dothat in those days.
Shadow

[Dennis_Mahon]

I've tried that. I'm at pretty small university. There isn't one and several other people have been looking for groups as well.

Then, have you tried asking the martial arts schools that you've checked out if they have any certified instructors that might be willing to start such a club at your University? I know that some martial artists do private tutoring, and I don't thing it would be much of a jump from private tutoring to teaching a club; perhaps a martial arts instructor in the area could work out a similar deal with you and your friends.

[Darren H]

Books and videos can make excellent supplements to training but never replacements .

[Ishinguy]

Originally posted by Newtype
I've tried that. I'm at pretty small university. There isn't one and several other people have been looking for groups as well.

If there are enough of you interested you might be able to persuade an instructor to come to you, especially if you have a place at the uni where you can train. You could contact a school from the nearby town and they might agree to send one of the senior students to start another branch of their club.

good luck
Nick Barrett

[Bad Karma]

Good advice all around. Now the question is what are you going to do? I think it's time we get some closure from you on this. Just kidding! I've been wanting to use that line for awhile - LOL!

Peace

[SoaringSoul]

Books and tapes can be a good idea as a supplimentary tool, but I do not suggest using them on your own. Why dont you put a message on your campus forum or post flyers and start a martial arts association where you can all learn from each other. You can learn new styles and and help others to become better martail artists, you might even be able to meet some good sparring partners.

[Jeff Burger]

Soaring Soaring Soul and Newtype

Per forum rules please remember to include your real full name.

Good advice above...if you have the basics you caould learn form tapes...books are even harder.

I have been working with teaching from vieo for awhile to experiment and get familiar with the platform.
Im really surprised with the market for tapes out there there has been more focus on improving the teaching method.

Jeff

[dojo]

I'd use books and tapes just as a supplementary tools, the dojo work is still invaluable :)

[Nin]

Also why asking around in your university if people practise a martial art you'd like to practise. There's probably a person in the same situation as you are.

About tapes and books my opinion is that if you have already practised an art and have good quality you can learn very well. Not as good as in a Dojo or with someone but still very good. For example there are some very good Krav Maga books/tapes/DVDs. But make sure you buy something worth the money. And for this I think by asking here some people might be able to tell you their opinion on the material before you buy.